About this experience
Western Tokyo is often described as mystical in the Middle Ages, when one hundred scary stories were told by one hundred lit candles. Its nature, yards, and houses inspired the pen of Murakami and the brush of Miyazaki. Unusual temples were built on its streets, which not every old-timer knows about. Do you want to enter the world of mysterious ancient legends and world-famous works about Western Tokyo? Of course, you do. And I will take you there.
What awaits you
Ancient houses and wells
We will visit an old Japanese house with a well and other mysterious objects in the yard, which are often mentioned in scary stories from the Middle Ages. These places are often described by the writer Haruki Murakami in his mystical works dedicated to Western Tokyo. For comparison, we will visit the residence of a high-ranking official from the beginning of the 20th century with a view of Mount Fuji. We will examine the interior of the mansion and find the connection between the architecture of the Middle Ages and the 21st century.
Fuji-san, Miyazaki and Totoro
We will take a high-speed lift to the observation deck and look at Western Tokyo from a height of 124 meters. On a clear day, you can see the divine Mount Fuji from there. In a small forest park with a bamboo grove, you will feel a special energy similar to the atmosphere of mysterious forests in the films of Hayao Miyazaki, who skillfully shows the connection between the otherworldly and reality. And then we will visit a cafe and try delicious cream-filled Totoro-shaped donuts.
Temple with underground passage and white cat
We will visit two unique and completely different temples. In one, we will go down into the basement to walk through winding dark corridors to the luminous statues of the goddess of mercy Kannon and Buddha. The second temple will be the famous Gotokuji, founded in the 16th century and associated with a beautiful legend about a white cat that saved a high-ranking samurai from death. In the temple, if desired (and available), you can buy Maneki-neko figurines that attract luck and prosperity, and place them in a special location.
Organizational details
- The tour is on foot, sometimes using public transport. Upon your request, we can take a taxi on some sections.
- If you are familiar with Tokyo, we can meet in the city center. Or we can meet at your place of residence and start the route together.
- Totoro donuts need to be pre-ordered a day before the visit. I will do this with your prior agreement.
- During the cherry blossom season (late March - early April), we can admire the trees in the Kinuta Park. An additional fee of 4000 yen will be charged for the tour.
- At two locations according to Japanese tradition, it is necessary to remove street shoes.
Additional expenses (payment for yourself and the guide)
- Entrance to the underground part of the temple - 800 yen per person
- Metrofare - 640 yen per person for all trips
- Donuts - from 600 to 640 yen depending on the filling
